Ehiogu believes Lambert, who is now under intense pressure, should be given time at Villa Park to get things right in the Midlands.

He told talkSPORT: “The pressure just keeps building, doesn’t it. You can certainly see the clamour for it but I think if you appoint someone you give them a minimum 12 months to stamp their authority.

“You fear that with the results [he could be sacked]. You could argue and say on results alone other managers have been sacked for less.

“I still think that a centre-half and a holding midfield player and the picture changes. You just look at the squad and it looks thin. They need Premier League experience.”